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Social Work and Welfare

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In this primary producing catchment, the Social Work team provides essential services, connecting and assisting clients to access service organisations and other support which they may otherwise be without.

West Wimmera Health Service is an agent for Centrelink, and provides the Centrelink workstation, which is used daily by clients for general benefit enquiries, and access by farming families seeking Exceptional Circumstance crisis payments and health care cards.

Emergency food relief is provided through the Commonwealth Emergency Relief programs and Vic Relief which is a vital aspect of the Department in more recent times.

WELFARE WORK

The aim of Welfare Work is to assist people in improving their everyday quality of life.

Circumstances can change rapidly and stressful events can impact on the way we view the world, and the way in which we deal with the challenges that change brings.  Welfare Workers can help those who are faced with adversity, by providing practical and valuable assistance. 

A Welfare Worker is non-judgmental, supportive and understanding of each individual, and will provide information which is useful and relevant to their particular needs.  A Welfare Worker is always respectful and mindful of the right to dignity, confidentiality and privacy.

Welfare Work values are simple:

  • We care about you
  • We listen to you
  • We respect you
  • Your health and wellbeing is our main priority
  • We want you to have access to all community resources and services
  • We want you to be aware of your rights
  • We want to participate in your decision making process about ways in which you can enhance your safety, security and interests and that of the community in which you live. 

Who can access this service?

Inpatients and community members within the West Wimmera Health Service region are welcome to access this service.

Anyone is able to refer themselves to the Welfare Workers.  Referrals are also made from GP’s, Health Workers, Teachers, Police, members of the community, family and friends.

Financial Services

  • Emergency Relief
  • Drought Assistance
  • Problems with Paying Your Mortgage? Find help at: www.moneysmart.gov.au

Centrelink Agency Services:

ü     Centrelink Workstation available for public use telephone, fax, photocopier, computer

ü     ID verification

ü     Assistance with Claim Forms, Health Care Cards, Rent Assistance, Advance Payments and Crisis Payments

Referral to a range of other services such as:

Ø     Legal Advice

Ø     Housing

Ø     Employment

Ø     Alcohol & Drug Services

Ø     Child Protection

Ø     Family Violence

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Our aim is to build on the resilience of small towns and communities within the West Wimmera and Hindmarsh Shires, and increase the capacity of these communities to engage and utilise available resources.  Community development is based on what you think your community wants, and we will develop and deliver programmes in a clear, educational and readily available format.   

Community Health Promotion is a priority, and we can offer:

v    Education and support programs for families, carers and those who are cared for

v    Cardiac rehabilitation

v    Cancer support

v    Better Health Awareness events

v    Community, Lifestyle, Art and Cultural events

v    Workshops tailored to what your community needs

 

 COUNSELLING SERVICE

 The Counselling Service is a professional and accessible service dedicated to improving the mental, physical and psychological wellbeing of individuals who wish to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. 

Our Counsellors are qualified to deliver an effective, evidence- based treatment intervention tailored to suit the requirements of those who present.  This approach provides a solutions-focussed framework.  A psychosocial structure is applied, which integrates both physical and psychological aspects of the individual, taking into account that every person is unique, and every presenting problem is different.  Some of the presenting problems that counselling can assist with include:

  • Crisis Counselling
  • Grief and Loss
  • Adjustment to life threatening illness or disability.
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Parenting issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Dealing with anxiety
  • Coping with depression
  • Time management
  • Goal setting
  • Managing Stress
  • Behavioural problems

Biofeedback techniques are also taught, which uses a visual monitor to aid the individual in re-training their physical and psychological response to different stressors.  This can be effective in the treatment of headaches, physical tension, and managing the daily effects of stressful life events that occur. 

It is important that you, the client, undertakes to work with the counsellor to clearly define the problem, and set your own goals to achieve an improvement in the quality of your daily life. 

West Wimmera Health Service is dedicated to providing a user friendly and accessible resource to better cope with the pressures and stresses of residing in small communities in times of financial vulnerability, lifestyle and employment changes.  Our commitment is to build on a strong, healthy, vibrant and sustainable rural Australia. 

To access any of these services, please contact us on 03 5391 4222.